Tom Cragg
Head of Client Success, MFL Consultant and Examiner, School Governor, former Head Teacher
At The Deepings School, part of Anthem Schools Trust, Direct Vocabulary Instruction (DVI) is transforming teaching and learning. This structured approach to vocabulary acquisition ensures that students not only learn new words but truly embed them into their understanding. During my recent visit, I had the privilege of joining Deputy Head Teacher Paul Crisp as he conducted lesson drop-ins and delivered expert feedback to teachers, demonstrating the power of coaching on this theme in action.
What is Direct Vocabulary Instruction?
DVI is a simple yet highly effective technique that enhances student comprehension by explicitly teaching and reinforcing key vocabulary. The school has made a significant investment in training teachers on how to implement DVI, with a structured approach that includes:
Selecting a small number of key words relevant to the lesson.
Saying the word out loud and having students repeat it.
Defining the word clearly and concisely.
Providing real-world examples to illustrate the meaning.
Encouraging students to create their own sentences using the word.
Reinforcing and revisiting the word throughout the lesson to solidify understanding.
The Deepings School is a mixed 11–18 comprehensive at the heart of The Deepings, a vibrant, growing community in South Lincolnshire, and part of Anthem Schools Trust.
Feedback in Action: A Coaching Approach
One of the most impressive moments of my visit was witnessing how Paul used structured, collaborative feedback to elevate teaching practice. During a lesson drop-in, DVI was a key focus area, and Paul guided the teacher through a coaching process designed to empower rather than critique:
✅ Collaborative Planning – Together, they discussed how fine-tuning DVI techniques could enhance student engagement and comprehension.
✅ Modelling Best Practice – Paul demonstrated the strategy live in the empty classroom where the lesson had taken place, showing how explicit vocabulary instruction can have an immediate impact.
✅ Teacher Empowerment – The teacher had the opportunity to rehearse and refine their approach, building confidence in applying DVI techniques.
✅ Follow-up and Reflection – Paul committed to returning the following week to observe progress and celebrate improvements.
A Culture of Coaching and Growth
The Deepings School’s commitment to professional development is unwavering. Recognising the value of reflective practice, the school is making a significant investment in its teachers—next year, teachers will have one hour less contact time per week to prioritise high-quality coaching and feedback. This decision underlines their belief that empowering teachers leads to better outcomes for students.
Headteacher’s Perspective
Kirstie Johnson, Headteacher at The Deepings School, shared her enthusiasm following our visit:
It was great to see this approach in action. With thoughtful leadership from Paul Crisp and Kirstie Johnson, The Deepings School is creating a culture where coaching, collaboration, and ongoing development are driving meaningful improvements in teaching and learning.
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